Report: Man Died From Skull Fracture After Tasing

Coroner Rules Death Accidental, Newspaper Says

A Mason man died from a skull fracture after police shocked him with a Taser earlier this month, according to a newspaper report.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Thursday that an autopsy showed Douglas Boucher died Dec. 13 of a basilar skull fracture at the base of his skull.

The Butler County coroner's office ruled Boucher's death an accident, the newspaper reported, and an outside agency is conducting an investigation of the incident for Mason officials.

The coroner's office was closed Thursday for New Year's Eve, and Mason officials declined comment until the investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation had been completed early next month.

Police said Boucher verbally harassed a Speedway employee after he was involved in a hit-and-run crash near his apartment, and officers said he refused to leave the gas station after they ordered him to do so.

Boucher struggled with officers outside as they attempted to handcuff him, police said, and authorities said he struck one officer on the head with his cuffed hand.

Another officer fired the electronic stun gun at Boucher as he attempted chase one officer, police said.

Boucher fell to the ground and stopped breathing, police said, and he was taken to West Chester Medical Center, where he died.

Results from toxicology screens and other findings may not be available for several more weeks.

Both officers involved, Patrolman Daniel Fry and Patrolman Sean McCormick, have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard procedure.

Boucher played bass in several area bands, including Hellcat Alley, and is survived by an 8-year-old daughter.

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